Sir Alex Ferguson believes the destiny of the Premier League title race will be decided by the outcome of Manchester United’s trip to face current leaders Manchester City at Eastlands on April 30.

United manager Ferguson is convinced his side took a major step toward retaining the English crown with the hard-fought 3-1 victory at Tottenham on Sunday.

The champions were outplayed for long periods but capitalised on two defensive errors by Spurs before Ashley Young capped victory with his second goal of the game.

Ferguson admitted his side rode their luck, but believes the form shown by United since the turn of the year confirms they are stepping up the pressure on City, who currently sit two points clear at the head of the table.

“We have had all the big teams since January including City and Liverpool in the FA Cup,” Ferguson said.

“We have come through that and credit to the players. Today was a bit disappointing but the one thing we did do was show the determination to get the result.

“But Tottenham are a very good side and this is only their second defeat at home since the start of the season. Every game they play 58 per cent possession – that’s a big, big percentage.

“It was a massive result and a massive performance by our defenders.”

United face City at the end of April for their third last league game and Ferguson said: “I think it will be (the title decider), yeah.

“It is difficult to say because things can happen. You can drop points. You can drop surprise points. I think that will happen. I think both teams will drop points. But the important thing is not to drop as many as your opponents.”